THE TASTE OF ... MARSEILLE

For Mama, moving to a city is not just about getting a new address. It means blending into a city; adopting its values, its history, its culture. It also means participating in its effervescence and its desire for renewal by integrating into local life. In Marseille as elsewhere, we have our headquarters and our habits that we are very keen to share with you. Real favourites that bring together confidential addresses but also cult places with all the Sesame to discover them not as tourists; but as the real people of Marseille that we are now.

The MuCEM

It was imagined to present the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, but the first treasure of this museum is its architecture. Surrounded by its concrete mesh, this extraordinary black cube seems - as if by a miracle - set on the sea and this feeling grows even more as the visit progresses, with its ropes and corridors ready to be swallowed up by the waves. With the Mucem, the architect Rudy Ricciotti has completed his great work, which must be discovered both during the day and at night, because it is then another Mucem that emerges, thanks to the thousands of LEDs installed by the artist Yann de Kersalé who invites us to "a geo-poetic journey to bring the Blue Hour to life, the one where everything changes". Much more exciting than the discoveries of the permanent collections, which are very (too?) didactic, the Mucem is a visit in itself, to be extended by the discovery of one of the best restaurants in the city led by Gérald Passedat, the famous chef of Petit-Nice who has installed his second address there.

Rooftop of the Cité Radieuse

For many people, this building is the soul of Marseille and the symbol of a utopia; that of the architect Le Corbusier who chose to build - in the aftermath of the war - a popular city in the noble sense of the word, designed for the well-being of its inhabitants. If the visit is now a little complicated (mandatory, most of the accommodation is inhabited and therefore impossible to visit), the discovery of the roof terrace remains one of the most important moments of the discovery of Marseille. This roof-top in the sky reveals a breathtaking view of the city but it also houses the Mamo, a contemporary art centre designed in 2014 by designer Ora Ito, which has already welcomed the greatest names. Xavier Veilhan, Daniel Buren, Felice Varini and, this year, Californian artist Alex Israel.

Rooftop of the Cité Radieuse

For many people, this building is the soul of Marseille and the symbol of a utopia; that of the architect Le Corbusier who chose to build - in the aftermath of the war - a popular city in the noble sense of the word, designed for the well-being of its inhabitants. If the visit is now a little complicated (mandatory, most of the accommodation is inhabited and therefore impossible to visit), the discovery of the roof terrace remains one of the most important moments of the discovery of Marseille. This roof-top in the sky reveals a breathtaking view of the city but it also houses the Mamo, a contemporary art centre designed in 2014 by designer Ora Ito, which has already welcomed the greatest names. Xavier Veilhan, Daniel Buren, Felice Varini and, this year, Californian artist Alex Israel.

The MuCEM

It was imagined to present the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, but the first treasure of this museum is its architecture. Surrounded by its concrete mesh, this extraordinary black cube seems - as if by a miracle - set on the sea and this feeling grows even more as the visit progresses, with its ropes and corridors ready to be swallowed up by the waves. With the Mucem, the architect Rudy Ricciotti has completed his great work, which must be discovered both during the day and at night, because it is then another Mucem that emerges, thanks to the thousands of LEDs installed by the artist Yann de Kersalé who invites us to "a geo-poetic journey to bring the Blue Hour to life, the one where everything changes". Much more exciting than the discoveries of the permanent collections, which are very (too?) didactic, the Mucem is a visit in itself, to be extended by the discovery of one of the best restaurants in the city led by Gérald Passedat, the famous chef of Petit-Nice who has installed his second address there.

La Bonne Mère

A success story as we like them! Maheva Angelmann and Jérémy Piazza settled in this old troquet in the shade of Notre Dame de la Garde in 2015 and have already made it one of the most popular addresses in Marseille. It must be said that Jeremy - a pure juice Napolitan - concocted totally addictive pizzas, which were justly rewarded with a 2016 Fooding prize. Fine and soft dough, prepared with organic flour from Piedmont and rested for 48 hours, divine tomatoes from small producers in Campania, fresh anchovies and pistou crushed with a pestle... The pizzas are called here Fanny, Marius or Bonne Mère and are enjoyed in a small room filled with old photos that pay tribute to the Old Port and the Cannebière.

La Cantinetta

One of the city's nicest patios, but also a simple trattoria where foodistas meet to enjoy ultra-fresh transalpine cuisine, prepared by Stephanie Nardoca and Pierre-Antoine Denis, both supported by Luigi - a leading specialist in fresh pasta. The grilled vegetables are topped with an ideally creamy burrata pugliese, the risotto is to be enjoyed and the fish, just returned from the auction, are perfectly grilled. But the absolute must here is desserts, a sumptuous Piedmontese ice cream with hazelnuts or an anthology of French toast, prepared with a bit of divine sweetness.

Mama / 1 km24 Cours Julien, 13006 Marseille. Tél : 04 91 48 10 48

La Mercerie

After delighting the entire planet with their ephemeral restaurants in New York, Kyoto or Barcelona, English chef Harry Cummins, Quebec sommelier Laura Vidal and Canadian manager Julia Mitton have just set their pots in a former haberdashery on Cours Saint-Louis. The place - designed by architects Victor Lecourtier and Andreas Fragos - now mixes raw concrete, suspended light bulbs, long counter tops and an open kitchen where Harry Cummins gives pride of place to organic and local products. Here, everything or almost everything is mile zero and it gives you real nuggets on the plate, such as grilled asparagus on the barbecue, mackerel revived with kiwi and brocoletti or even lemon pie and miso-kiwi ice cream. The whole is refreshed with bottles chosen by Laura, including a rosé wine from the Var hills called Promised Land. That's all said and done!

La Bonne Mère

A success story as we like them! Maheva Angelmann and Jérémy Piazza settled in this old troquet in the shade of Notre Dame de la Garde in 2015 and have already made it one of the most popular addresses in Marseille. It must be said that Jeremy - a pure juice Napolitan - concocted totally addictive pizzas, which were justly rewarded with a 2016 Fooding prize. Fine and soft dough, prepared with organic flour from Piedmont and rested for 48 hours, divine tomatoes from small producers in Campania, fresh anchovies and pistou crushed with a pestle... The pizzas are called here Fanny, Marius or Bonne Mère and are enjoyed in a small room filled with old photos that pay tribute to the Old Port and the Cannebière.

La Cantinetta

One of the city's nicest patios, but also a simple trattoria where foodistas meet to enjoy ultra-fresh transalpine cuisine, prepared by Stephanie Nardoca and Pierre-Antoine Denis, both supported by Luigi - a leading specialist in fresh pasta. The grilled vegetables are topped with an ideally creamy burrata pugliese, the risotto is to be enjoyed and the fish, just returned from the auction, are perfectly grilled. But the absolute must here is desserts, a sumptuous Piedmontese ice cream with hazelnuts or an anthology of French toast, prepared with a bit of divine sweetness.

La Mercerie

After delighting the entire planet with their ephemeral restaurants in New York, Kyoto or Barcelona, English chef Harry Cummins, Quebec sommelier Laura Vidal and Canadian manager Julia Mitton have just set their pots in a former haberdashery on Cours Saint-Louis. The place - designed by architects Victor Lecourtier and Andreas Fragos - now mixes raw concrete, suspended light bulbs, long counter tops and an open kitchen where Harry Cummins gives pride of place to organic and local products. Here, everything or almost everything is mile zero and it gives you real nuggets on the plate, such as grilled asparagus on the barbecue, mackerel revived with kiwi and brocoletti or even lemon pie and miso-kiwi ice cream. The whole is refreshed with bottles chosen by Laura, including a rosé wine from the Var hills called Promised Land. That's all said and done!

Jogging

This former butcher's shop, converted into a concept store, is none other than the local Mecca of creation; a place that claims its role as an incubator of 360° talent: fashion, art, photography, architecture, gastronomy. While the designers -Charlotte Brunet and Olivier Amsellem- promote the "made in Marseille" (they were the first to introduce Jacquemus), their ultra-special selection blends Charlotte Chesnais with Christophe Lemaire, Yasbukey with James Heely's original fragrances. Created in collaboration with designers, Jogging multiplies exhibitions, events and has also opened an ephemeral restaurant with various chefs in residence. After Mathieu Roche and Camille Fromont (ex Sémilla), a special mention to David Michokas who this season is enjoying a contemporary and ultra-tasty Venezuelan cuisine.

Mama / 1 km103 rue Paradis, 13006 Marseille. www.joggingjogging.com

La Baleine

In the age of streaming and digital technology, we can only applaud the recent opening of this film-bistro of art and essay which aims to be a real place for exchange and sharing. We settle in the intimate and ultra-comfortable room (only 90 seats) to discover the latest Almodovar, short films, retrospectives of the 70s or 80s, but also to participate in conferences and meet directors. After the session, we continue the visit by inviting ourselves to the restaurant open for lunch and dinner - on the terrace, at the counter or in a room designed by designer Annick Lestrohan - to enjoy the south-facing cuisine of chef Alan Kloniecki, refreshed with natural wines chosen by Laurent Bonfiglio, the neighbouring wine store of Plus belle La Vigne.

Galerie Béa-Ba

A welcome art gallery, in a city that has few of them. Born in 2014 under the impetus of Béatrice Le Tirilly (collector) and Barbara Satre (art historian and critic), Béa-Ba is committed to promoting contemporary creation by presenting a perfect mix of emerging artists and renowned talents such as Bernard Pages or Claude Viallat. Even better, the curators are seeking to increase the number of fruitful meetings between plastic artists. Like the very beautiful "Passagiata" until the end of June 2019 during which Béatrice and Barbara present both Nicolas Pincemin's undergrowth, Paul Vergier's greenhouses and Matthieu Montchamp's mountains. Rich and meaningful confrontations, just like the places.

Jogging

This former butcher's shop, converted into a concept store, is none other than the local Mecca of creation; a place that claims its role as an incubator of 360° talent: fashion, art, photography, architecture, gastronomy. While the designers -Charlotte Brunet and Olivier Amsellem- promote the "made in Marseille" (they were the first to introduce Jacquemus), their ultra-special selection blends Charlotte Chesnais with Christophe Lemaire, Yasbukey with James Heely's original fragrances. Created in collaboration with designers, Jogging multiplies exhibitions, events and has also opened an ephemeral restaurant with various chefs in residence. After Mathieu Roche and Camille Fromont (ex Sémilla), a special mention to David Michokas who this season is enjoying a contemporary and ultra-tasty Venezuelan cuisine.

La Baleine

In the age of streaming and digital technology, we can only applaud the recent opening of this film-bistro of art and essay which aims to be a real place for exchange and sharing. We settle in the intimate and ultra-comfortable room (only 90 seats) to discover the latest Almodovar, short films, retrospectives of the 70s or 80s, but also to participate in conferences and meet directors. After the session, we continue the visit by inviting ourselves to the restaurant open for lunch and dinner - on the terrace, at the counter or in a room designed by designer Annick Lestrohan - to enjoy the south-facing cuisine of chef Alan Kloniecki, refreshed with natural wines chosen by Laurent Bonfiglio, the neighbouring wine store of Plus belle La Vigne.

Galerie Béa-Ba

A welcome art gallery, in a city that has few of them. Born in 2014 under the impetus of Béatrice Le Tirilly (collector) and Barbara Satre (art historian and critic), Béa-Ba is committed to promoting contemporary creation by presenting a perfect mix of emerging artists and renowned talents such as Bernard Pages or Claude Viallat. Even better, the curators are seeking to increase the number of fruitful meetings between plastic artists. Like the very beautiful "Passagiata" until the end of June 2019 during which Béatrice and Barbara present both Nicolas Pincemin's undergrowth, Paul Vergier's greenhouses and Matthieu Montchamp's mountains. Rich and meaningful confrontations, just like the places.

Deep Coffee Roaster

It opened last April just a stone's throw from the Old Port and remains the first in the city to offer specialty coffees. Under the leadership of Tom Balerin - elected the best barista in France 2019 and an outstanding roaster - the team treats its fans of African and Latin American wines with real finds such as the Argentine coffee El Bosque with its delicate floral and honey notes or the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe with its peach, plum and jasmine flavours. For the tasting, you can choose between cappucino, macchiato, filter coffee, coffee cocktail or the famous Cold Brew - brewed 20 - and you can choose the terrace or the room full of charm - beautiful decoration and soul music. Not to mention enjoying one of the pastries, veggie and gluten free.

Mama / 1,4 km15 rue Glandeves, 13001 Marseille.

L'Idéal

Inaugurated in 2016, this grocery store-cave-table d'hôtes is already one of Marseille's highlights. Imagined by the beautiful and sunny Julia Sammut (daughter of Queen Sammut, starred chef at the Fenière inn in Lourmarin), the Ideal is an Ode to the Mediterranean; its colours, its perfumes, its flavours that Julia pins on as she falls in love with. Olives from Kalamata or Maussane, organic lemonade from Portofino, durum wheat semolina paste from southern Italy, lemons from Menton, artisanal Sospel jams, Rove goat bush, from a small herd raised freely at the gates of Marseille... This gourmet selection can be taken away or enjoyed on site and the number of faithful is increasing every day. Among them is Chef Harry Cummins of the Haberdashery, who is part - with Julia - of this group of epicureans who are determined to awaken the Phocaean gastronomy.

Deep Coffee Roaster

It opened last April just a stone's throw from the Old Port and remains the first in the city to offer specialty coffees. Under the leadership of Tom Balerin - elected the best barista in France 2019 and an outstanding roaster - the team treats its fans of African and Latin American wines with real finds such as the Argentine coffee El Bosque with its delicate floral and honey notes or the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe with its peach, plum and jasmine flavours. For the tasting, you can choose between cappucino, macchiato, filter coffee, coffee cocktail or the famous Cold Brew - brewed 20 - and you can choose the terrace or the room full of charm - beautiful decoration and soul music. Not to mention enjoying one of the pastries, veggie and gluten free.

L'Idéal

Inaugurated in 2016, this grocery store-cave-table d'hôtes is already one of Marseille's highlights. Imagined by the beautiful and sunny Julia Sammut (daughter of Queen Sammut, starred chef at the Fenière inn in Lourmarin), the Ideal is an Ode to the Mediterranean; its colours, its perfumes, its flavours that Julia pins on as she falls in love with. Olives from Kalamata or Maussane, organic lemonade from Portofino, durum wheat semolina paste from southern Italy, lemons from Menton, artisanal Sospel jams, Rove goat bush, from a small herd raised freely at the gates of Marseille... This gourmet selection can be taken away or enjoyed on site and the number of faithful is increasing every day. Among them is Chef Harry Cummins of the Haberdashery, who is part - with Julia - of this group of epicureans who are determined to awaken the Phocaean gastronomy.

Catalan beach

The most touristic one

Sormiou Calanque

The most idyllic one

Catalan Beach

Marseille is first and foremost a city on the beach, like Lisbon, Tel Aviv and Rio. To enjoy this (rare) privilege, you must absolutely discover the beaches in the heart of the city, especially the Catalan one, a stone's throw from the Old Port. Unfortunately, it is crowded in summer but it still offers a more confidential part, above the very chic hotel des Bords de Mer. The latter has just set up a space with deckchairs and small catering. A secret that is still well kept.

Sormiou Calanque

If there is anything that divides the people of Marseille, it is the choice of their creeks. Our favourite is Sormiou: an indented cliff revealing a succession of azure coves, dazzlingly white limestone, umbrella pines and garrigues where a steep path drops down to the crystal clear waters. To do this, you can start from Cassis and crapahuter for 3 hours on the way to the ridges or - less courageous - approach by car to the hamlet of Sormiou and its small port. Access is normally prohibited but not counting our sesame: book at the Nautic-bar in front of the port by giving its license plate to access the car park. And you don't regret it because you can enjoy the best of the day's fishing on the terrace of this simple restaurant: octopus, sea bream and small grilled sardines....

Mama / 7,8 kmNautic Bar Tél : 04 01 40 06 37

Catalan beach

The most touristic one

Catalan Beach

Marseille is first and foremost a city on the beach, like Lisbon, Tel Aviv and Rio. To enjoy this (rare) privilege, you must absolutely discover the beaches in the heart of the city, especially the Catalan one, a stone's throw from the Old Port. Unfortunately, it is crowded in summer but it still offers a more confidential part, above the very chic hotel des Bords de Mer. The latter has just set up a space with deckchairs and small catering. A secret that is still well kept.

Sormiou Calanque

The most idyllic one

Sormiou Calanque

If there is anything that divides the people of Marseille, it is the choice of their creeks. Our favourite is Sormiou: an indented cliff revealing a succession of azure coves, dazzlingly white limestone, umbrella pines and garrigues where a steep path drops down to the crystal clear waters. To do this, you can start from Cassis and crapahuter for 3 hours on the way to the ridges or - less courageous - approach by car to the hamlet of Sormiou and its small port. Access is normally prohibited but not counting our sesame: book at the Nautic-bar in front of the port by giving its license plate to access the car park. And you don't regret it because you can enjoy the best of the day's fishing on the terrace of this simple restaurant: octopus, sea bream and small grilled sardines....

Le Four des navettes

La Maison Empereur

A mythical hardware store with an extraordinary collection of kitchen utensils and objects of all kinds.

Come to Mama Marseille !

For Mama, history and culture are of great importance and that is why she decided to leave her bags in the sunniest city in France. As you may have guessed, Mama has opted for Marseille and is already acclimating to it. You will find the Mama refuge in the heart of a cosy and popular district surrounded by places to visit and discover. But leave with peace of mind, Mama has everything planned for tourists from the extreme between good addresses, amazing landscapes or historical monuments, there will be something for all tastes!

Anyway, Mama packed her bags at home. And you too are home.

Rooms

Sleep with Mama

Near the popular Cours Julien district, Mama Shelter has 125 rooms, all designed by Philippe Starck, spread over six floors. And because it's really a refuge, Mama has put everything into comfort: between 5-star bedding, atypical urban design and free on-demand movies; you won't know where to turn your head. The watchword: think of nothing. So, relax in the arms of the Mama and don't worry, Mama takes care of everything!